JaJuan Johnson had 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, and Chris Kramer added 15 points to help the Boilermakers (14-0, 2-0 Big Ten) tie the school record for best start. The 1993-94 team that featured Glenn Robinson also won its first 14 games.

Purdue ran out to an 8-0 lead before the Gophers settled down. Minnesota responded with a 13-5 run to tie the score, then went ahead 23-20 on a three-point play by Carter.

Purdue reserve Ryne Smith made two 3-pointers to help the Boilermakers take a 29-24 lead and force a Minnesota timeout. It was a part of a 7-minute stretch during which the Boilermakers held the Gophers without a field goal.

Rodney Williams made a 3-pointer late in the first half to end the drought, but Kramer came back with a 3-pointer as time expired in the first half to give the Boilermakers a 35-28 lead.

Blake Hoffarber, Minnesota's No. 2 scorer, went scoreless in the first half and played just 5 minutes because he picked up two early fouls. He finished with three points on 1-of-4 shooting.

Purdue opened the second half with a 10-3 run, that included six points by Johnson, to take a 45-31 lead.

Minnesota's trapping defense fueled a 6-0 run that cut Purdue's lead to 48-40, but a thunderous right-handed jam by Johnson, plus the free throw on the foul, gave Purdue an 11-point lead and slowed the Gophers' momentum. The Boilermakers led by at least eight points the rest of the way.